Peter Mawanga sings about refugees
Having been out of the limelight for some time, Lilongwe-based musician Peter Mawanga has resurfaced with a single titled ‘Nkhani’ which tells stories of refugees, who have been forced to flee their homes and seek safety in foreign land.
With empathy and compassion, Mawanga gives voice to “these often-ignored individuals” and shines a light on their struggles and triumphs.
Mawanga, who travelled to Dzaleka Refugee Camp in Dowa to listen to stories of refugees, said ‘Nkhani’ (Story) mixed by Praise Umali is more than just a song but rather it is a call for action.
“I am sharing this powerful message with the world through music, I hope to inspire others to stand up for the rights of refugees and advocate for a more just and equitable world,” he said.
Mawanga said as an artist, he has always been in the forefront to also play as an activist hence singing about refugees.
He said the project was also inspired by a move by the government in which refugees and asylum-seekers were asked to relocate to Dzaleka Refugee camp by April 15 2023 or face forced eviction from their homes.
The ‘Amakhala ku Blantyre’ star has collaborated with singers from Dzaleka Refugee Camp, an appearance by Clyde Chisale busking on the indigenous choral chant by Mitengeli and a memorable poem by Robert Chiwamba.
Once again Mawanga has not run away from his flair of utilising traditional rudiments in the track in which has artistically amalgamated music and poetry.
Meanwhile, Mawanga, who has in the past years marketed Malawi to the world with his international concerts, said this year he will be releasing a number of singles taken from various music projects that he has been working on.
“I am currently in the studio recording and rehearsing with my band. I will be announcing a series of live performances soon,” the ‘Pa Phiri ndi Padambo’ creator, said.
